Adjustably positioned paper drill and punch

ABSTRACT

For drilling two holes or three holes with substantially conventional spacing between the centers of the holes using a single, adjustably positioned drill or punch, the base of the machine is provided with a rod on which at least one of the punch pedestals slides between a two hole and three hole position. Stops limit outward and inward positions of the movable pedestal so that the user need not use great care and attention in adjusting the positions of the punch. The punch comprises a sharpened tubular insert of tool steel in the end of a hollow screw which rotates in each pedestal.

United States Patent Homs [ Sept. 5, 1972 Douglas M. Homs, 0/0 1538 Industrial Way, Belmont, Calif. 94002 Filed: Aug. 24, 1970 Appl. No.: 66,532

Inventor:

US. Cl. ..408/53, 408/88, 408/137, 83/560, 83/618 Int. Cl ..B23b 39/16, B26d 5/10 Field of Search....408/72, 88, 137, 53, 204, 703, 408/52, 46; 83/467, 618, 620, 560

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1951 Segal ..83/467 9/1949 Segal ..83/560 1,067,676 7/1913 Peterson ..408/ l 37 Primary ExaminerGil Weidenfeld Attorney-Julian Caplan [5 7] ABSTRACT For drilling two holes or three holes with substantially conventional spacing between the centers of the holes using a single, adjustably positioned drill or punch, the base of the machine is provided with a rod on which at least one of the punch pedestals slides between a two hole and three hole position. Stops limit outward and inward positions of the movable pedestal so that the user need not use great care and attention in adjusting the positions of the punch. The punch comprises a sharpened tubular insert of tool steel in the end of a hollow screw which rotates in each pedestal.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 'PATENTEBsEP smz 3.689.167

sum 1 BF 2 INVENTOR. DOUGLAS M. HOMS ATTORNEY ADJUSTABLY POSITIONED PAPER DRILL AND PUNCH This invention relates to a new and improved adjustably positioned paper drill and punch.

I-Ieretofore, conventional office equipment for punching paper has standardized on either two hole punches used to fasten correspondence and the like into file folders with well-known types of fastening means or three hole punches used to punch paper for use in binders such as three-ring notebooks and the like. Although three-hole punches have been made adjustable so that two holes may be punched with a single device, nevertheless the use of such punches has been awkward and the results many times inaccurate. The present invention comprises a punch having at least three drills so that three holes may be punched consecutively or simultaneously. At least one of the punches is movable toward and away from the middle punch so that the spacing between holes may be adjusted. Thus when one of the end punches is at the outer limit of its movement, the three punches are suitable for three-ring binder use. However, when one of the end-most punches is moved toward the middle punch, the spacing may be adjusted for a conventional two-hole punch. A feature of the present invention is the provision of stops which limit the outward and inward movement of the movable punch. The outward stop holds the punch in position for three-hole punch work while a stop limiting inward movement adjusts the position for two-hole punch work.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that a conventional edge guide is provided on the base of the punch which is useful in aligning the edges of the papers being punched for either three-hole or two-hole use. In other adjustable punches of this general type it has been necessary not only to adjust the position of the punch mechanism but also to adjust the position of the .edge guide. These two adjustments have been timeconsuming and difficult and more importantly have led to inaccuracies in the final result. The present invention eliminates the difficulties heretofore encountered in this connection by using the same edge guide regardless of whether a two-hole or three-hole punch is employed.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that the edge guide remains stationary. It has been discovered that when paper of 8% inch width is punched at the top with two holes, the distance between the edge guide and the nearest (movable) punch centerline is approximately equal to the sum of the distance between said edge guide and the centerline of the punch when in three-hole position plus the distance between the outer and middle punches when in three-hole position. This discovery has made it possible to maintain the edge guide in fixed. position regardless of whether the apparatus is used for punching two holes or three holes and affords a considerable advantage over punches heretofore commercially developed.

A feature of the present invention is the provision of a stop which is located between the center and the movable punch and limits the movement of the movable punch towards the center punch so that the distance is fixed at the spacing between conventional two-hole punches. The use of a stop of this type eliminates the necessity of adjusting the movable punch visually, an operation which has heretofore involved considerable effort and led to inaccuracies.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an improved paper drill used to punch relatively thick stacks of paper. A pedestal for each punch is of a general C-shape. One of the arms of the C comprises an anvil which cooperates with the movable drill element. The opposite arm of the pedestal is threaded to receive a hollow screw. A hardened, tubular, sharpened bit is inserted in the end of the screw and cooperates with the anvil. When the screw is rotated by means of a handle, the sharpened bit penetrates through the paper being drilled and the circles cut from the paper are forced up through the hollow in the bit and the hollow in the drill to the exterior. This type paper drill is of considerable efficiency and enables the device to be used to drill through thicknesses of paper beyond those which may be accommodated by drills heretofore employed except in heavy mechanisms. The mechanical advantage of the drill is such that ordinary operators such as secretaries may drill through considerable thicknesses of paper without undue effort.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing the device in solid lines drilling three holes and in dotted lines drilling two holes.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a modification.

The punch shown in FIGS. 1-4 employs a base 11 which is subject to considerable modification in design. As here shown it is substantially rectangular in top plan having legs 12 at each corner and preferably provided with suction cups 13 on the bottom of each leg. Ad-

jacent the back and on either side is an upstanding boss 14 through which fits a horizontally disposed transverse rod 16.

Forwardly of rod 16, base 11 is formed with a rectangular recess 17. Extending transversely in recess 17 is a guide bar 18 which is formed with an upwardly bent end 19 which functions as an edge guide either in twohole or three-hole work. A feature of the invention is the fact that it is not necessary to adjust the position of guide 18-19.

Rearwardly of recess 17 a deeper recess 21 is formed in base 11, said recess 21 extending to the back of said base. Adjustably laterally positioned in recess 21 is a plurality of pedestals 22, there being preferably three such pedestals. Each pedestal is essentially C-shaped in side elevation as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bottom 23 of pedestal 22 fits into and slides on the bottom of recess 21. A hole 24 is formed in each pedestal to receive rod 16 and a set screw 26 is threaded into the pedestal to engage the rod and maintain the pedestal 22 in adjustable position. For such purpose the back of rod 16 may be flattened. Thus the pedestals 22 may be slid transversely in the recess 21 along the rod 16 and then secured in position by set screw 26. However, a feature of the present invention is the fact that the middle pedestal and one end pedestal remote from end 19 may be maintained fixed in position and only the pedestal 22 which is nearest to end 19 need be moved.

The upper arm 28 of each pedestal 22 is preferably elongated and formed with an internal thread 29. Thread 29 receives a hollow screw 31. Recessed into the bottom of screw 31 is a tubular hardened bit 32, the lower end 33 of which is sharpened. Sharpened end 33 cooperates with a depression 27 aligned with and formed in base 23. Thus paper interposed between end 33 and depression 27 is punched when screw 31 is rotated and the circles cut from the paper are forced into the aligned hollows in bit 32 and screw 31, being discharged through the top of screw 31. Screw 31 may be rotated by means of a handle 34 attached at the top thereof by means of a fastener 36.

Directing attention to FIGS. 1 and 2, paper 37 to be punched in accordance with the present invention, may be of 11 inch length, as is commonly employed in three-ring binders, commercial catalogs and many other uses. Paper 37 is aligned with one edge in engagement with end 19 of guide 18. The right hand pedestal 22 is positioned with its outer edge in contact with and stopped by right hand boss 14. Thus the distance between end 19 and the center of the right hand punch of pedestal 22 is the distance a. The distance between the center of the right hand punch 22 and the middle punch 22 is the distance d and the distance between the middle punch and the left hand punch is the same distance d. Such positioning of the paper and the adjustable portions of the device, results in punching the paper 37 with the spacing of the conventional threehole punch and with the holes positioned to center the same relative to a conventional l 1 inch page.

With the paper turned on end as shown by reference numeral 38 in FIG. 1, the right hand pedestal 22 is moved inward as shown by reference numeral 22b in FIG. 1, said position being shown in dotted lines. With the edge of paper 38 in contact with end 19, the holes formed therein are suitable for the spacing between the holes of conventional two-hole punches and said holes are centered relative to a conventional 8 inch wide sheet 38.

As has heretofore been mentioned, boss 14 limits the outward movement of the right hand punch 22 of FIGS. 1 and 2. To limit the left hand inner movement of the right hand punch 22 a sleeve 39 or other means is interposed between the center punch 22 and the movable punch 22. Directing attention to FIG. 4, sleeve 39 may slip over the rod 16. As shown in said FIG. 4, the sleeve 39 may be formed of a flexible material such as a plastic and be less than circular in shape so that it may be pried off the rod 16 as required. However, when the sleeve 39 is in place, the inward movement of the right hand punch 22 is stopped by the sleeve interposed between said movable punch and the stationary center punch. Hence it is not necessary for the user to employ time and skill in accurately setting the two positions of the right hand movable punch 22. Its outward movement is limited by the boss 14 and the inner movement is limited by the sleeve 39. As has heretofore also been mentioned, the end 19 of guide 18 remains stationary and it is not necessary to adjust the guide 18 in position whether the movable punch 22 is in its solid line position or its dotted line position 22b.

A modified paper punch is shown in FIG. 5 and because many of the parts are substantially similar to that heretofore described they are indicated by the same reference numerals followed by the subscripts a. In this form punch, the rod 16a may oscillate. For such purpose a handle 41 is positioned at one end of the rod and attached thereto by means of a hub 42. Punch mechanisms 43 not herein illustrated in detail since they are well known in the art, are connected to the rod 16 so that as the same oscillates a vertical punching movement results.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail, by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable perforating device for paper comprising a base, at least three paper perforating mechanisms mounted on said base in a line and spaced apart from each other, each said mechanism having a throat to receive the edges of papers, and anvil below said throat having a paper support surface, a guide above said throat and perforating means in said guide movable toward and away from said support surface and cooperable therewith to perforate papers positioned in said throat, a rod supported on said base extending in line with said mechanisms, at least one outermost mechanism apertured to slide on said rod, said outermost mechanism movable on said rod toward and away from the center mechanism, a first stop on said base limiting movement of said movable outermost mechanism to a predetermined first distance from said center mechanism, and a second stop between said movable mechanism and said center mechanism limiting movement of said movable mechanism to a predetermined second distance from said center mechanism, said second stop comprising a sleeve on said rod larger than the aperture in said movable mechanism and having a length equal to the predetermined distance between the adjacent edges of said movable and center mechanisms when said movable mechanism is said second distance from said center mechanism.

2. A device according to claim 1 in which said sleeve is formed for optional removal from said rod.

3. A device according to claim 1 which further comprises a paper guide on said base having an upstanding edge guide for paper in the throats of said mechanisms.

4. A device according to claim 3 in which said paper guide is fixed relative to said base.

5. A device according to claim 1 in which in each said mechanism said guide is threaded and said perforating means comprises a hollow screw in threaded engagement with said guide and having a sharpened hollow cutting edge at the end of said screw nearest said anvil, and a turning handle on said screw.

6. A device according to claim 5 in which said screw has a hardened steel, tubular insert inserted aligned with said screw having a sharp cutting edge. 

1. An adjustable perforating device for paper comprising a base, at least three paper perforating mechanisms mounted on said base in a line and spaced apart from each other, each said mechanism having a throat to receive the edges of papers, and anvil below said throat having a paper support surface, a guide above said throat and perforating means in said guide movable toward and away from said support surface and cooperable therewith to perforate papers positioned in said throat, a rod supported on said base extending in line with said mechanisms, at least one outermost mechanism apertured to slide on said rod, said outermost mechanism movable on said rod toward and away from the center mechanism, a first stop on said base limiting movement of said movable outermost mechanism to a predetermined first distance from said center mechanism, and a second stop between said movable mechanism and said center mechanism limiting movement of said movable mechanism to a predetermined second distance from said center mechanism, said second stop comprising a sleeve on said rod larger than the aperture in said movable mechanism and having a length equal to the predetermined distance between the adjacent edges of said movable and center mechanisms when said movable mechanism is said second distance from said center mechanism.
 2. A device according to claim 1 in which said sleeve is formed for optional removal from said rod.
 3. A device according to claim 1 which further comprises a paper guide on said base having an upstanding edge guide for paper in the throats of said mechanisms.
 4. A device according to claim 3 in which said paper guide is fixed relative to said base.
 5. A device according to claim 1 in which in each said mechanism said guide is threaded and said perforating means comprises a hollow screw in threaded engagement with said guide and having a sharpened hollow cutting edge at the end of said screw nearest said anvil, and a turning handle on said screw.
 6. A device according to claim 5 in which said screw has a hardened steel, tubular insert inserted aligned with said screw having a sharp cutting edge. 